Scan barcode
staciben037's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
maremi's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
alyssaindira's review against another edition
4.0
*no spoilers were harmed in the making of this review*
"I should be partners with the devil"
Hey guys, so I finally got around to reading Now I Rise (And I Darken Series, #2) by Kiersten White. I am kind of glad it took me so long to read it, cause now I dont have to wait long to read the third book, since it just came out, ha. Anyway, I think I enjoyed this book a bit more than the first book, probably due to the fact that the first book just had so much character shaping and background building and ya know, all the stuff a first book of a series needs. Due to that, one could slip relatively easily into the second book. I felt like the second book had more going on, like one event after another, in rapid succession. It was almost hard to keep up, haha. Like this is happening then this and that led to this then that, etc. Also, the story was told in alternating POV's of Lada and Radu. I liked that, except when something interesting happens to one of them, and I want to continue with that event, but the book has other ideas. Heh. Ultimately, all the scattered events led the characters toward their goals. For Lada, get the throne of Wallachia. For Radu, help Mehmed get Constantinople. Both of these goals by any, means, possible. I think the characters stayed true to themselves for most of this book, and from the characters we got to know in the first book. Lada as always, would rather negotiate with blood promises than false promises. She would rather turn to violent means to get what she wants instead of slightly less violent means. But hey, I dont judge her. She knew what she wanted, and she would do anything,become anything to get it. The only things that she could not become, were a man, nor Radu. Several times during the novel, she wonders what would happen if Radu were beside her, or if she was simply more like Radu. But then she remembers that he is not beside her, and she has to be what she has always been. Herself. She gains allies her own way, no one elses. Gotta have respect for that. She never gives up, she always finds a way. Always. No matter what. The only thing I didnt like about Lada in this book was how she used Bogdan. :/. She flat out used his affections and his loyalty to...service her. I was just...*sighs* She even says that she wont belong to Bogdan, but he belongs to her. She admits that she doesnt like him like that,but she still used him for her own pleasure. I was just...gah. I wish Bogdan would find himself someone who could actually give him the love he deserves. In regards to Lada's other men, I liked Nic. I also found Hunyadi an interesting character. I also kind of liked Mattias too. Wonder if we'll see more of him in the next novel. Now flipping to Radu, well, he often found himself asking what Lada would do if she were in his position. Sometimes he wishes he was more like her, sometime he doesnt. But he gets thing done in his own way. Sadly, I dont really think it was bcause Radu wanted to do these things for himself, but for another, in hopes that he would finally get the love he so rightly deserved. However, that man has no heart to give Radu. Honestly, I dont know where MEhmed's heart went wandering off to in this novel. In the first novel, he was alright. In this novel, he was so not alright. I hated how he didnt seem to care at all about Radu and the conditions he might have to face and everything he would have to see and experience on the mission that Mehmed sent him on. If mehmed had cared about Radu the way he said he does, well,,,*coughs* things would be different. Not only did Mehmed hurt Radu, used poor Radu, he also pulled a fast one on Lada. Gods. He is...ughhh. I think at the end of this novel, Radu was starting to realize that he was just so over Mehmed. That he was moving on. He was beginning to see the truth about Mehmed and that the sultan would never be enough. Onto something better, or should we say, someone? Cyprian was bae. I swear. heh. I hope in the next book, that ship sails, yesss. So yes, the character relations and dynamics swayed over the course of this book, as did their hearts, kind of. Yes the book kind of dragged out some of the events, but it made it seem as if it wasnt too dragged out, the descriptions were an ease to read and not to complex. All in all, I enjoyed this novel and cant wait to read the third. As always, if you guys have any questions or comments, drop em below. Till next time. Bye
"I should be partners with the devil"
Hey guys, so I finally got around to reading Now I Rise (And I Darken Series, #2) by Kiersten White. I am kind of glad it took me so long to read it, cause now I dont have to wait long to read the third book, since it just came out, ha. Anyway, I think I enjoyed this book a bit more than the first book, probably due to the fact that the first book just had so much character shaping and background building and ya know, all the stuff a first book of a series needs. Due to that, one could slip relatively easily into the second book. I felt like the second book had more going on, like one event after another, in rapid succession. It was almost hard to keep up, haha. Like this is happening then this and that led to this then that, etc. Also, the story was told in alternating POV's of Lada and Radu. I liked that, except when something interesting happens to one of them, and I want to continue with that event, but the book has other ideas. Heh. Ultimately, all the scattered events led the characters toward their goals. For Lada, get the throne of Wallachia. For Radu, help Mehmed get Constantinople. Both of these goals by any, means, possible. I think the characters stayed true to themselves for most of this book, and from the characters we got to know in the first book. Lada as always, would rather negotiate with blood promises than false promises. She would rather turn to violent means to get what she wants instead of slightly less violent means. But hey, I dont judge her. She knew what she wanted, and she would do anything,become anything to get it. The only things that she could not become, were a man, nor Radu. Several times during the novel, she wonders what would happen if Radu were beside her, or if she was simply more like Radu. But then she remembers that he is not beside her, and she has to be what she has always been. Herself. She gains allies her own way, no one elses. Gotta have respect for that. She never gives up, she always finds a way. Always. No matter what. The only thing I didnt like about Lada in this book was how she used Bogdan. :/. She flat out used his affections and his loyalty to...service her. I was just...*sighs* She even says that she wont belong to Bogdan, but he belongs to her. She admits that she doesnt like him like that,but she still used him for her own pleasure. I was just...gah. I wish Bogdan would find himself someone who could actually give him the love he deserves. In regards to Lada's other men, I liked Nic. I also found Hunyadi an interesting character. I also kind of liked Mattias too. Wonder if we'll see more of him in the next novel. Now flipping to Radu, well, he often found himself asking what Lada would do if she were in his position. Sometimes he wishes he was more like her, sometime he doesnt. But he gets thing done in his own way. Sadly, I dont really think it was bcause Radu wanted to do these things for himself, but for another, in hopes that he would finally get the love he so rightly deserved. However, that man has no heart to give Radu. Honestly, I dont know where MEhmed's heart went wandering off to in this novel. In the first novel, he was alright. In this novel, he was so not alright. I hated how he didnt seem to care at all about Radu and the conditions he might have to face and everything he would have to see and experience on the mission that Mehmed sent him on. If mehmed had cared about Radu the way he said he does, well,,,*coughs* things would be different. Not only did Mehmed hurt Radu, used poor Radu, he also pulled a fast one on Lada. Gods. He is...ughhh. I think at the end of this novel, Radu was starting to realize that he was just so over Mehmed. That he was moving on. He was beginning to see the truth about Mehmed and that the sultan would never be enough. Onto something better, or should we say, someone? Cyprian was bae. I swear. heh. I hope in the next book, that ship sails, yesss. So yes, the character relations and dynamics swayed over the course of this book, as did their hearts, kind of. Yes the book kind of dragged out some of the events, but it made it seem as if it wasnt too dragged out, the descriptions were an ease to read and not to complex. All in all, I enjoyed this novel and cant wait to read the third. As always, if you guys have any questions or comments, drop em below. Till next time. Bye
starrysea98's review against another edition
5.0
I am BLOWN AWAY by how amazing this book is. It even somehow manages to be better than its predecessor!
This book delves into the fall of Constantinople and Lada's quest to become prince of Walachia. Radu and Lada are separate for the entirety of the book which I am a little upset about, because the two of them together are a force to be reckoned with. Sadly, Radu decides to stay with Mehmed who I absolutely hate now. Radu isn't as tender as in And I Darken; he shows a whole new side to him. He is manipulative, much more cleverer and so so savage.
Here is an example of Radu's amazing burn:
..."If you have courage, I am a donkey."
"That has always been my personal opinion of you, but I never expected you to agree with me."
That is the sound of Radu demolishing Halil with a single sentence. Slow. Clap.
Lada is my favourite here, hands down. She is still as vicious as ever but I understand her motives because all she has ever wanted is Walachia and she wants to remain in power long enough to change her country for the better. (Although I really don't see things ending well for her, yikes).
I also enjoyed the blatant feminism here however it only comes from one character, namely Lada. She is quick to defend women's rights and is so badass in reclaiming Daciana's village that I literally had to put down the book and scream. I hate that the boyars are so contemptuous of her and while I don't condone what she did to them in the end, I could say that they had it coming!
This book delves into the fall of Constantinople and Lada's quest to become prince of Walachia. Radu and Lada are separate for the entirety of the book which I am a little upset about, because the two of them together are a force to be reckoned with. Sadly, Radu decides to stay with Mehmed who I absolutely hate now. Radu isn't as tender as in And I Darken; he shows a whole new side to him. He is manipulative, much more cleverer and so so savage.
Here is an example of Radu's amazing burn:
..."If you have courage, I am a donkey."
"That has always been my personal opinion of you, but I never expected you to agree with me."
That is the sound of Radu demolishing Halil with a single sentence. Slow. Clap.
Lada is my favourite here, hands down. She is still as vicious as ever but I understand her motives because all she has ever wanted is Walachia and she wants to remain in power long enough to change her country for the better. (Although I really don't see things ending well for her, yikes).
I also enjoyed the blatant feminism here however it only comes from one character, namely Lada. She is quick to defend women's rights and is so badass in reclaiming Daciana's village that I literally had to put down the book and scream. I hate that the boyars are so contemptuous of her and while I don't condone what she did to them in the end, I could say that they had it coming!
adele420's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bookishcreature's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
atzindl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ka8g's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
amybraunauthor's review against another edition
4.0
Actual rating is probably 3.5, but I gave it a higher score because I enjoyed Radu's story so much. If it had just been about him, his see-sawing emotions, the physical and mental trials he went through, I would be singing praises. Radu and his uncertain heart in Constantinople was absolutely excellent. Yes, as he got deeper involved with his mission, I had some serious questions about what he was doing, particularly because Mehmed wasn't exactly being his best in regards to Radu's emotions. But at least Radu felt guilt and shame about the things he was forced to do, making him a better, more relatable character that I wanted happiness for. Unfortunately, the other half of the book involved Lada as she fought to take back her throne by herself. To be honest, there were some points where I understood, sympathized, and even enjoyed her. But then I would get a serious case of whiplash because she would do or say something horrible almost immediately afterward. By the time I reached the end of the book, I was no longer able to see her as a dark character. She is a villain, and truly living up to her real life counterpart, Vlad Dracul. I also didn't find Lada's story as engaging. It wasn't bad, but there was so much more tension in Radu's half. The writing itself remains very solid and elegantly composed, and as with the first book, I really, really wish I could love it as much as everyone else does. I'm going to read the third book to see how it all ends, especially in regards to Radu and his story, but I honestly dread going through Lada's chapters.
sandygx260's review
4.0
Not quite as "whoa" as the first novel, but I sense this is racing toward an epic ending in book 3.